From a family of dancers, the Christensen brothers (Lew, Harold, and Willam) began performing professionally in vaudeville in the late 1920s and early 30s, then moved quickly into ballet. They worked with a variety of dance greats, including Lincoln Kirstein and George Balanchine, in a number of companies. They also worked as choreographers and teachers; Lew alone choreographed over 70 pieces. Willam directed the San Francisco Ballet from 1938-1951, as did Lew from 1951-1984. Lew married fellow Ballet Caravan performer Gisella Caccialanza. SFPALM